Question for solo double wall tent users

[Dennis Park]

I've read that solo double wall tents are tight enough that arms often press into the sides of the tent. When this happens, do your down bags compress and develop cold spots and does moisture form at the contact points?

[Brad Rogers]

If you are looking for a wider double walled solo tent, look at the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1. It is much wider for the coffin type solo shelters such as the MSR Hubba, REI QD T1, and SD Velox 1.

[David Ure]

nm

[SANDRA GILLESPIE KRAMER]

And I recently got the SS Velox 1 and hate it. waaay too narrow, condensation (and it was in Florida – no rain – average weather), and awkward to exit.

It has a small "pole" that extends the vestibule, but I couldn't make it stay taut. Guess I need to set it up again and work on that…and my attitude. :)

Tried to return but vendor said, "No, cos it had been used."

sandy in miami

[Boozer]

Sandy…can I ask if it was an online retailer you purchased it from? and if so who?

BTW I felt the same way about the Hubba…as I heard someone say "a nylon coffin".

[EndoftheTrail]

Nylon coffin (TM) is exactly the term I used to describe the Hubba, the REI T1, and just possibly the Hilleberg Akto (judging from the specs… although I do acknowledge that the floor plan's pentagon shape might give one a feeling of more space).

Answering OP's question, I would be leery of buying any tent where any part of the sleeping bag might come in contact with the walls — taking into account reasonable sleeper movements as well. I wouldn't worry about cold spots as that requires actual pressing against the tent wall(s) — but what I would worry about is moisture.

Condensation can form in any tent. A small amount is harmless — unless your sleeping bag comes in contact — which can be a real annoyance — or downright dangerous in cold temps.

[David Ure]

nm

[EndoftheTrail]

Nah, it wouldn't be appropriate for my three-season needs.

It's not just the relatively narrow floor plan (I used to own a SMD Lunar Solo so I can appreciate the pentagonal floor plan) — but also the slanting ceilings where you can sit up only under the apex. I need overall roominess — like the Rainbow or the SL2. I am a space hog, remember? :)

[Laurence Beck]

I agree with Brad Roger's above. I love my Big Agnes SL1 and I bought it because it is wider than most solo tents. I am 6ft at about 190 so I appreciate the width. I also like to have space for gear. This tent weighs in at 42oz including 8 stakes. I do not use a footprint.

[Clifford Sax]

Benjamin, For a solo space hog I would have thought that the Hex / Shangri-La 3 can't really be bettered for space/weight ratio. How married are you to the double wall? The Shangri-la offers various components / set up options that might well suit your particular needs.

[Mike W]

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